R.s Roles of men and women

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Introduction

What is the Christian teaching on roles of men and women? Christians tend to look at the Bible and the social issues when it comes to the subject of men and women. Christianity follows the teachings of Christ that were founded on Judaism. The first four books of the New Testament, or Gospels, describe Christ's dealings with women. He showed respect and compassion for all women, regardless of their social standing. He initiated a dialogue with the Samaritan woman at the well, something no self-respecting leader of his day would have done. He valued the insignificant money given at the Temple by a poor widow over the vast sums given by the religious men. He equally offered to men and women a way to a right relationship with God. He never made a distinction between men and women regarding spiritual potential and allowed former prostitutes to join his inner circle. After his death and resurrection, he first appeared to women and then later to his male followers. The rest of the New Testament refers to many women leaders in the early Church, such as Lydia, Phoebe and Priscilla. Yet, the role of women was still defined in relationship to men. Paul emphasized in his Letters to Timothy that women were not to have positions of authority over men. ...read more.

Middle

In Paul's letter to the Ephesians he writes about his ideal relationship between men and women, husband and wife. " For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church" He clearly believes that men should have authority over the woman. However he has to respect his wife and love her in the same way that Jesus loves the church. Although she should listen to him, this may be where the bride can promise to obey her husband whereas he may not promise to do the same. Other Christians believe that things should be different considering that it is the modern world. Many believe that it is important for men and women to be equal, and have equal opportunities in the home and work. Therefore they may not choose to make promises to each other during a marriage ceremony. If there is a disagreement it should not always be the man who should have the final say. They believe that everyone has a value as being made in the "image of God". Looking at the letter to the Galatians " there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" They should stop looking at differences between people but that they are all united. ...read more.

Conclusion

In the ten commandments it mentions respect other peoples' property. This could be seen as their wives, as they are part of their property. (Exodus 20: 17) Men also have high standards from women, for example in 1 Timothy, he mentions his ideal woman. "I do not permit a woman to teach, or to have authority over a man; she must be silent" Some may argue that men are preferred anyway because Jesus chose them as his apostles, this also shows the fact that they were meant to be leaders. In the Bible there is evidence of women taking on important roles. Such as Esther and saving the Jews, Ruth setting a good example for all. Deborah was a prophet " the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided" So he must have been respected for them to go to her. Also it was women who saw Jesus first after his resurrection. (Luke 24:1-6) Christians should realise that everyone was made in the image of God, and that at Pentecost the Holy spirit came upon everyone equally. Women should have more important roles in the church and in society itself. Others feel it is important to separate each use of men and women. And that women can put their uses to something else. Many suggest that it is Christianity that has made women being treated as inferiors to men in the past, they believe that they have encouraged injustice between them. ...read more.

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